Read below to find out more about how an Exercise Physiologist can help you, and what to expect when you attend Optimum Exercise Physiology.
What is an Accredited Exercise Physiologist
What conditions can Exercise Physiology services be helpful for?
Why choose Optimum Exercise Physiology?
What is the difference between an Exercise Physiologist and a Physiotherapist?
What is the difference between an Exercise Physiologist and a Personal Trainer?
Do I need a referral?
What can I expect as part of my first consultation with an Exercise Physiologist?
What should I bring to an Exercise Physiology appointment?
What are your payment policies?
What is an Accredited Exercise Physiologist
Accredited Exercise Physiologists (AEPs) are university qualified allied health professionals. They specialise in exercise prescription and the delivery of evidence based exercise, lifestyle and behavioural modification programs for the treatment and prevention of chronic diseases, complex medical conditions and musculoskeletal injuries.
Exercise Physiologists utilise specific therapeutic exercise to prevent and manage medical conditions as well as soft tissue and joint injuries. In simple terms, Exercise Physiologists use exercise as the medicine. Exercise Physiologists not only treat people with medical conditions but they also assist people with their general health, fitness and wellbeing too. The goals of an Exercise Physiologist are to improve the health, wellbeing, function and quality of life of people through their specialised exercise programs.
What conditions can Exercise Physiology services be helpful for?
Exercise has been found to be beneficial in the management of numerous chronic health conditions which include, but is not limited to:
Why choose Optimum Exercise Physiology?
We make a promise to all of our Exercise Physiology clients that come into our clinic:
Our Exercise Physiologists promise to take the time to accurately assess your current medical, physical and lifestyle status and to take the time to explain our recommendations in a way that you understand. Your long term health and well-being is our main objective.
We promise to do everything we can to get help you meet your exercise goals. You will not be rushed in for a quick fix – we take the time to understand what motivates you and use this information to help you get there as quickly and safely as possible.
We promise to greet you with a smile and make you feel comfortable.
We promise to work as part of your medical team. We always liaise with your GP, and other health care providers to keep them informed of your progress.
What is the difference between an Exercise Physiologist and a Physiotherapist?
Physiotherapists tend to see people in the initial phase of injury or pain and in the acute and early post-acute stages of rehabilitation. AEPs utilise exercise, lifestyle strategies and health coaching and generally work with clients who have a chronic (longer term) injury or condition. AEPs help people recovering from illness or with a chronic disease (eg heart attack, type 2 diabetes), an operation (eg hip/knee replacement) or from injury (eg muscle tear, usually following initial physio treatment), with a goal of helping clients to help themselves to better long term health and fitness (prevention). We are happy to work with and liaise with your physiotherapist in transferring from their initial care through to your exercise physiologist helping you to return to normal (or better than normal) daily activities/function/return to sport/lifelong habits. See above for a larger list of the types of conditions and people Exercise Physiologists can help.
What is the difference between an Exercise Physiologist and a Personal Trainer?
There can be a big difference in qualification levels between these two professions. A personal trainer is qualified to prescribe exercise to healthy clientele who not not have any chronic conditions or risk factors, and they usually gain a qualification through TAFE or lesser organisation. The courses are often short courses allowing a personal trainer to be qualified in as little as 6 weeks, or sometimes up to a year if they obtain a diploma. A personal trainer can work with stable, low risk clients, but does not have the in-depth training that an AEP does at post graduate level.
An Accredited Exercise Physiologist studies at university for 4 years and completes 500 hours of clinical practice to gain accreditation. They also need to be registered with Exercise and Sports Science Australia, and undergo continuing professional development for a minimum number of hours each year. They provide exercise interventions to the general ‘healthy’ population (same clientele as a personal trainer), but also have the extensive education and skills to work with people with medical conditions, and also higher level fitness groups and athletes to increase performance,. They form part of a multi disciplinary team which can include general practitioners, physiotherapists, dietitians, diabetes educators and more.
Who better to undertake personalised training with than an Exercise Physiologist?!
Do I need a referral?
No, you do not need a referral, and many private health funds provide rebates for Exercise Physiology services.
Clients, however, can be referred by their GP through the Medicare Allied Health Program and receive up to 5 Medicare subsidised visits through this program. Clients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus may also be referred through this program to receive an assessment and 8 group exercise sessions, subsidised by Medicare.
Clients may also be referred through the Department of Veterans Affairs or Return to Work SA program.
What can I expect as part of my first consultation with an Exercise Physiologist?
In general your consultation will include the following:
o An initial assessment to understand your current health, capabilities and physical status
o Assessment of your exercise history
o An explanation of how exercise can assist with treating or improving conditions/quality of life
o An opportunity to determine and discuss goals relating to health and exercise, with strategies to achieve these goals
o Development of an individualised exercise program – home or clinic based, in a group or individual setting
o Discussion and instructions on how to complete the prescribed program, instructions on correct techniques, intensity and frequency of the exercises in your program
o A detailed written report back to your referring GP, specialist or other health practitioner
o Depending on your goals, regular monitoring in the clinic or periodic reviews and program upgrades
At all times you will be in a safe and comfortable environment.
How long will the initial consultation take?
An initial consultation is generally 40-45 minutes, and review appointment is 30 minutes.
What should I bring to an Exercise Physiology appointment?
If you have been referred by a healthcare professional, please bring your referral form, any information regarding your medical and injury history, as well as a medication list. We also advise wearing comfortable clothing and appropriate, closed footwear. For all exercise-based treatment sessions and group classes, please bring a water bottle, towel and any required medications.
What are your payment policies?
Payment is required on the day for all appointments. Payment can be made in cash, EFTPOS, or by credit card.
Are there rebates available for Exercise Physiology services?
If you have a Medicare or DVA referral from your GP, you may be eligible for rebates from Medicare. If you have private health insurance, you may be eligible for a rebate depending on your fund and level of cover; however, please contact your health fund to check eligibility.
Do you treat Workers Compensation/Workplace injuries?
Yes. A referral is required from a doctor or health professional so that we can seek approval from the insurer to conduct an initial assessment. It is important to also provide us with the following information:
What is an Accredited Exercise Physiologist
What conditions can Exercise Physiology services be helpful for?
Why choose Optimum Exercise Physiology?
What is the difference between an Exercise Physiologist and a Physiotherapist?
What is the difference between an Exercise Physiologist and a Personal Trainer?
Do I need a referral?
What can I expect as part of my first consultation with an Exercise Physiologist?
What should I bring to an Exercise Physiology appointment?
What are your payment policies?
What is an Accredited Exercise Physiologist
Accredited Exercise Physiologists (AEPs) are university qualified allied health professionals. They specialise in exercise prescription and the delivery of evidence based exercise, lifestyle and behavioural modification programs for the treatment and prevention of chronic diseases, complex medical conditions and musculoskeletal injuries.
Exercise Physiologists utilise specific therapeutic exercise to prevent and manage medical conditions as well as soft tissue and joint injuries. In simple terms, Exercise Physiologists use exercise as the medicine. Exercise Physiologists not only treat people with medical conditions but they also assist people with their general health, fitness and wellbeing too. The goals of an Exercise Physiologist are to improve the health, wellbeing, function and quality of life of people through their specialised exercise programs.
What conditions can Exercise Physiology services be helpful for?
Exercise has been found to be beneficial in the management of numerous chronic health conditions which include, but is not limited to:
- Cardiovascular conditions
- Coronary artery disease (ischemic heart disease)
- Chronic heart failure
- Hypertension
- Peripheral vascular diseases
- Angina
- Cardiac Rehabilitation following CABG or Stenting
- Metabolic conditions
- Obesity
- Metabolic syndrome
- Impaired glucose tolerance / insulin resistance
- Diabetes (Types 1 and 2)
- Dyslipidaemia
- Musculoskeletal conditions
- Osteoarthritis (OA)
- Osteoporosis
- Joint replacement
- Fibromyalgia
- Musculoskeletal injury
- Postural issues
- Lower back pain
- Rectus abdominal separation
- Injury from sport, work, accident
- Respiratory conditions
- Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
- Asthma
- Emphysema
- Hormonal conditions
- Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)
- Post Menopause Syndrome
- Hypothyroidism
- Hashimoto’s disease
- Androgen deprivation therapy
- Psychological conditions
- Depression
- Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Anxiety
- Fatigue conditions
- Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
- Cancer & cancer treatment
- Neurological conditions
- Stroke
- Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
- Parkinson’s Disease
- Developmental Coordination Disorder
Why choose Optimum Exercise Physiology?
We make a promise to all of our Exercise Physiology clients that come into our clinic:
Our Exercise Physiologists promise to take the time to accurately assess your current medical, physical and lifestyle status and to take the time to explain our recommendations in a way that you understand. Your long term health and well-being is our main objective.
We promise to do everything we can to get help you meet your exercise goals. You will not be rushed in for a quick fix – we take the time to understand what motivates you and use this information to help you get there as quickly and safely as possible.
We promise to greet you with a smile and make you feel comfortable.
We promise to work as part of your medical team. We always liaise with your GP, and other health care providers to keep them informed of your progress.
What is the difference between an Exercise Physiologist and a Physiotherapist?
Physiotherapists tend to see people in the initial phase of injury or pain and in the acute and early post-acute stages of rehabilitation. AEPs utilise exercise, lifestyle strategies and health coaching and generally work with clients who have a chronic (longer term) injury or condition. AEPs help people recovering from illness or with a chronic disease (eg heart attack, type 2 diabetes), an operation (eg hip/knee replacement) or from injury (eg muscle tear, usually following initial physio treatment), with a goal of helping clients to help themselves to better long term health and fitness (prevention). We are happy to work with and liaise with your physiotherapist in transferring from their initial care through to your exercise physiologist helping you to return to normal (or better than normal) daily activities/function/return to sport/lifelong habits. See above for a larger list of the types of conditions and people Exercise Physiologists can help.
What is the difference between an Exercise Physiologist and a Personal Trainer?
There can be a big difference in qualification levels between these two professions. A personal trainer is qualified to prescribe exercise to healthy clientele who not not have any chronic conditions or risk factors, and they usually gain a qualification through TAFE or lesser organisation. The courses are often short courses allowing a personal trainer to be qualified in as little as 6 weeks, or sometimes up to a year if they obtain a diploma. A personal trainer can work with stable, low risk clients, but does not have the in-depth training that an AEP does at post graduate level.
An Accredited Exercise Physiologist studies at university for 4 years and completes 500 hours of clinical practice to gain accreditation. They also need to be registered with Exercise and Sports Science Australia, and undergo continuing professional development for a minimum number of hours each year. They provide exercise interventions to the general ‘healthy’ population (same clientele as a personal trainer), but also have the extensive education and skills to work with people with medical conditions, and also higher level fitness groups and athletes to increase performance,. They form part of a multi disciplinary team which can include general practitioners, physiotherapists, dietitians, diabetes educators and more.
Who better to undertake personalised training with than an Exercise Physiologist?!
Do I need a referral?
No, you do not need a referral, and many private health funds provide rebates for Exercise Physiology services.
Clients, however, can be referred by their GP through the Medicare Allied Health Program and receive up to 5 Medicare subsidised visits through this program. Clients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus may also be referred through this program to receive an assessment and 8 group exercise sessions, subsidised by Medicare.
Clients may also be referred through the Department of Veterans Affairs or Return to Work SA program.
What can I expect as part of my first consultation with an Exercise Physiologist?
In general your consultation will include the following:
o An initial assessment to understand your current health, capabilities and physical status
o Assessment of your exercise history
o An explanation of how exercise can assist with treating or improving conditions/quality of life
o An opportunity to determine and discuss goals relating to health and exercise, with strategies to achieve these goals
o Development of an individualised exercise program – home or clinic based, in a group or individual setting
o Discussion and instructions on how to complete the prescribed program, instructions on correct techniques, intensity and frequency of the exercises in your program
o A detailed written report back to your referring GP, specialist or other health practitioner
o Depending on your goals, regular monitoring in the clinic or periodic reviews and program upgrades
At all times you will be in a safe and comfortable environment.
How long will the initial consultation take?
An initial consultation is generally 40-45 minutes, and review appointment is 30 minutes.
What should I bring to an Exercise Physiology appointment?
If you have been referred by a healthcare professional, please bring your referral form, any information regarding your medical and injury history, as well as a medication list. We also advise wearing comfortable clothing and appropriate, closed footwear. For all exercise-based treatment sessions and group classes, please bring a water bottle, towel and any required medications.
What are your payment policies?
Payment is required on the day for all appointments. Payment can be made in cash, EFTPOS, or by credit card.
Are there rebates available for Exercise Physiology services?
If you have a Medicare or DVA referral from your GP, you may be eligible for rebates from Medicare. If you have private health insurance, you may be eligible for a rebate depending on your fund and level of cover; however, please contact your health fund to check eligibility.
Do you treat Workers Compensation/Workplace injuries?
Yes. A referral is required from a doctor or health professional so that we can seek approval from the insurer to conduct an initial assessment. It is important to also provide us with the following information:
- Insurance company
- Case manager name and contact details
- Claim number and medical certificate
GET IN TOUCHLocation: 6/25 Old North Road, Clare, SA, 5453
Telephone: 8873 0628 Fax: 8121 6139 Email: [email protected] |